Turkiye captures more than 141,000 illegal immigrants in 10 months

0
Turkiye captures more than 141,000 illegal immigrants in 10 months
Syrian migrants - Credit Lumiereist / Shutterstock.com

Turkiye has captured more than 141,000 illegal immigrants this year according to the government.

The figures announced on Tuesday, November 1 show that 7,152 people smugglers were also detained during the year, a figure that includes those of foreign origin.

Of those who were caught 97,448 were deported leaving just over 50,000 to claim asylum.

The authorities also confiscated a huge amount of equipment including 2,833 trucks, vans, buses and cars. 1,301 boats and boat engines were also seized.

Additional equipment that was confiscated includes a thermal camera, a night vision scope, two binoculars, 618 fake passports and 1,163 vehicle radios. The radios are used by people smugglers to communicate.

Fake identity documents (138) were also seized along with 524 mobile phones, 160 unlicensed rifles and handguns.

The government is implementing new measures aimed at tackling illegal migration that will see locals fined for assisting migrants to travel within the country. This includes the requirement that taxis ferrying foreigners ask to see their travel documents.

Taxi drivers found guilty of ignoring the law will be fined and will be charged with people smuggling.

Turkiye is a popular transit point for those fleeing the Middle East and for those trying to reach Europe. Currently there are 3,646,278 Syrians in the country.

In total Turkiye is home to more than five million refugees, more than any other country in the world. Although the country has captured more than 141,000 illegal immigrants, it is clear many are still getting through undetected.


Thank you for taking the time to read this article, do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.